Variables independently associated with self-reported obesity in the European Union

AbstractObjectiveThe rapid increase in obesity rates over recent years suggest that cultural and societal influences are affecting the adjustment in the energy balance equation in addition to other physiopathological or genetic determinants. Therefore, a pan-EU study was carried out to explore the influence of sociodemographic factors as well as some attitudes (smoking and exercise) on the prevalence of obesity in the adult population of all 15 member states of the EU.DesignOverall, a sample of 15 239 individuals aged 15 years and upwards in the EU completed the questionnaire. Subject selection was quota-controlled to make the sample nationally representative following a multistage stratified cluster sampling. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI).ResultsFrom the EU average results, it can be seen that only about half of the EU population (48%) is within the normal weight range, while the obesity (BMI > ≥ 30 kg m−2) prevalence was about 10% in the EU and the overweight prevalence was 36.6% and 25.6% among men and women, respectively. UK subjects had the highest prevalence of obesity (12%), while Italians, French and Swedes had the lowest levels of obesity (about 7%). Concerning age and social class interactions, logistic regression analysis showed that high social class and younger individuals in all groups had a lower odds ratio for obesity prevalence. People with a higher level of education are less likely to be obese, while the interaction between educational levels and obesity was different for men and women. A low participation in various leisure-time physical activities, the lack of interest (precontemplation) in being involved in exercise/physical activity and the increasing number of hours sitting down at work appear to be predictors of obesity. Single individuals were less prone to become obese than couples or widowed/divorced people. Finally, smoking status was statistically linked to the prevalence of obesity, since non-smokers or ex-smokers for more than 1 year presented a higher tendency for a BMI > 30.ConclusionsThis survey confirms that a priority area for health intervention aimed at preventing the development of obesity should be to increase levels of physical activity, although the approach will depend on the population, especially with respect to educational and socioeconomic aspects.

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Evolution of the prevalence of obesity in the adult population in France, 2013–2016: the Constances study

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93432-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sébastien Czernichow ◽

Adeline Renuy ◽

Claire Rives-Lange ◽

Claire Carette ◽

Guillaume Airagnes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linear Trend ◽

Adult Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

French Population ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Point Change ◽

Men And Women ◽

Class 1 ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Age And Sex

AbstractThis study provides trends in obesity prevalence in adults from 2013 to 2016 in France. 63,582 men and women from independent samples upon inclusion from the Constances cohort were included. Anthropometrics were measured at Health Screening Centers and obesity defined as a Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2; obesity classes according to BMI are as follows: class 1 [30–34.9]; class 2 [35–39.9]; class 3 [≥ 40 kg/m2]. Linear trends across obesity classes by sex and age groups were examined in regression models and percentage point change from 2013 to 2016 for each age category calculated. All analyses accounted for sample weights for non-response, age and sex-calibrated to the French population. Prevalence of obesity ranged from 14.2 to 15.2% and from 14 to 15.3% in women and men respectively from 2013 to 2016. Class 1 obesity category prevalence was the only one to increase significantly across survey years in both men and women (p for linear trend = 0.04 and 0.01 in women and men respectively). The only significant increase for obesity was observed in the age group 18–29 y in both women and men (+ 2.71% and + 3.26% point increase respectively, equivalent to an approximate rise of 50% in women and 93% in men, p = 0.03 and 0.02 respectively). After adjustment for survey non-response and for age and sex distribution, the results show that class 1 obesity prevalence has significantly increased in both women and men from 2013 to 2016, and only in young adults in a representative sample of the French population aged 18–69 years old.

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Abstract P306: Italian National Health Examination Surveys 2008-2012: Differences in Measured and Self-reported Anthropometric Data

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.127.suppl_12.ap306 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽

Author(s):

Luigi Palmieri ◽

Chiara Donfrancesco ◽

Cinzia Lo Noce ◽

Francesco Dima ◽

Lidia Gargiulo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Measured Data ◽

Health Examination ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Men And Women ◽

Measured Weight ◽

Italian Regions ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Reported Data

Background: Health Interview Survey (HIS) collects only self-reported height and weight to estimate obesity prevalence. Because of self-reporting, estimated obesity prevalence could be too low. From 2008 to 2012 an Health Examination Survey/Osservatorio Epidemiologico Cardiovascolare (HES/OEC) has been implemented in Italy with the aim of assessing cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, prevalence of risk conditions and CV diseases for the Italian adult population. Differences in measured and self-reported main anthropometric measures are described. Methods: Random samples of general population stratified by age and sex were examined in all Italian regions (participation rate 56%). Self-reported height and weight were requested to participants just after the welcome at the screening center. Height and weight were then measured using standardized procedures and methods. BMI was categorized in 3 groups: normal (BMI<25 kg/m2), overweight (25<=BMI<30 kg/m2), obesity (BMI>=30 kg/m2). Comparisons between measured and reported height, weight, and calculated BMI in men and women were assessed using t-test for means and chi-squared test for prevalence for paired samples. Results: Data from 2,583 men and 2,575 women aged 35-79 years were analysed. In men, measured height was lower than self-reported (-2.1 cm.), measured weight resulted higher than self-reported (+0.3 kg.); as a consequence BMI calculated on measured data resulted higher than that based on self-reported data (+0.8 kg/m2). Prevalence of obesity was higher for measured data than for self-reported (+7.1%). In men, difference between measured and self-reported height resulted higher in obese category than in the overweight or normal groups (-2.6 cm.), as well as for weight (+1.6 kg.). Similar results were registered in women: measured height was lower than self-reported (-3.6 cm.), measured weight resulted higher than self-reported (+0.8 kg.); as a consequence BMI calculated on measured data resulted higher than that based on self-reported data (+1.6 kg/m2). Prevalence of obesity was higher for measured data than for self-reported (+9.2%). Difference between measured and self-reported height resulted higher in obese category than in the overweight or normal groups (-5.0 cm.), as well as for weight (1.8 kg.). Both in men and women differences increased by age-group. Conclusions: Our results confirm how important is to produce standardised measures, also to adjust and correct self-reported height and weight, in order to have a reliable picture of obesity in the population. At present obesity is still a priority in public health and is one of the main indicator to plan community actions for cardiovascular disease prevention in the population.

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Body weight patterns in a country in transition: a population-based survey in Tirana City, Albania

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2002451 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

pp. 471-477 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Laidon Shapo ◽

Joceline Pomerleau ◽

Martin McKee ◽

Richard Coker ◽

Agron Ylli

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Adult Population ◽

Excess Weight ◽

Excess Body Weight ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional Survey

AbstractObjective:This paper reports the distribution and determinants of body mass index (BMI) and obesity in Tirana City (Albania).Design:Cross-sectional survey conducted in mid-2001.Setting:Tirana City.Subjects:One thousand one hundred and twenty adults aged 25 years and over (response rate 72.7%), selected using multi-stage cluster sampling.Results:Over three-quarters of male and female respondents had an excess body weight. The overall population prevalence of obesity in Tirana was estimated to be 22.0% in men and 30.9% in women. Obesity affected both genders (age-standardised prevalence in males 22.0%, females 30.9%; age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.89; 99% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–2.67) and all age groups, but most particularly middle-aged women. The age-standardised overall prevalence of central obesity was 21.6% in men and 29.4% in women (age-adjusted OR 1.58; 99% CI 1.11–2.25), increasing with age (P<0.01). In women, the likelihood of being obese was inversely related to educational achievement (trendP= 0.001) and alcohol consumption (trendP= 0.009). Income, smoking and leisure-time physical activity were not associated with obesity.Conclusions:Excess weight and obesity are major public health problems in the adult population of Tirana, but most particularly in middle-aged women. The high obesity prevalence observed along with the recent decrease in physical activity, dietary changes and increase in smoking prevalence make it probable that there will be substantial increases in many non-communicable diseases in Albania in the coming decades. Health promotion strategies are needed that prevent excess weight gain in the Albanian population.

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Obesity is associated with lack of access to dental care and physical activity among older adults: a cross-sectional study

Geriatrics Gerontology and Aging ◽

10.5327/z2447-212320212000143 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Natália Rigon Scalco ◽

Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes Muniz ◽

Nathália Prigol Rosalen ◽

Diandra Genoveva Sachett ◽

Nathalia Ribeiro Jorge da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Dental Care ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Access To Dental Care ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence of obesity and associated factors among older adults. METHODS: This was a household-based cross-sectional study involving 282 individuals aged ≥ 60 years recruited in the city of Veranópolis, Brazil, using random probabilistic sampling. Participants underwent a clinical oral examination and completed a structured questionnaire. Obesity was determined based on body mass index (BMI). Individuals were divided into two groups based on the presence (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or absence of obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m2). Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 34% (n = 96). Each 1-year increase in age resulted in a 3.09% decrease in the likelihood of being classified as having obesity (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.969; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.949 – 0.989). Older adults that reported walking < 5 or ≥ 5 times per week were 39.65 and 37.20% less likely to be classified as obese. The PRs of obesity in former and non-smokers were 4.40 and 5 times higher, respectively, than in current smokers (p < 0.05). Older adults with no access to dental care were 51.72% (p = 0.013) more likely to present with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of obesity among older adults. Obesity was associated with lower age, smoking status, no access to dental care, and a lack of physical activity.

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Obesity trends and determinant factors in Latin America

Cadernos de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s0102-311x2003000700009 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 19 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. S77-S86 ◽

Cited By ~ 87

Author(s):

Juliana Kain ◽

Fernando Vio ◽

Cecilia Albala

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Adult Population ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Determinant Factors ◽

Nutritional Conditions ◽

Nutritional Transition ◽

Obesity Trends ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Obesity rates have increased markedly in Latin America, especially during the last 10-15 years, becoming a public health problem in most countries. Prevalence of obesity among preschool children remains low, while among schoolchildren it has increased considerably. Prevalence is high in the adult population, especially among women with less schooling. In developed populations, obesity occurs more frequently among the poor; the opposite occurs in less developed societies, where in households undergoing nutritional transition, underweight can coexist with obesity. The most important determinant factors involved in the increasing obesity prevalence are fetal and infant nutritional conditions (stunting), education and socioeconomic conditions, dietary changes (especially increased total energy intake), and physical inactivity. Because chronic diseases are the main causes of death in the Region and obesity is one of the main risk factors for these diseases, policies to improve economic and educational levels with the implementation of health promotion and prevention should be a priority in every country.

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No changes in adolescent’s sedentary behaviour across Europe between 2002 and 2017

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10860-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

J. López-Fernández ◽

A. López-Valenciano ◽

X. Mayo ◽

G. Liguori ◽

M. A. Lamb ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Score Test ◽

Social Consequences ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Short Version ◽

The European Union ◽

Public Health Organizations ◽

Activity Questionnaire ◽

The Eu

Abstract Background Public health organizations have been alerted to the high levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) among adolescents as well as to the health and social consequences of excess sedentary time. However, SB changes of the European Union (EU) adolescents over time have not been reported yet. This study aimed to identify SB of the EU adolescents (15–17 years) in four-time points (2002, 2005, 2013 and 2017) and to analyse the prevalence of SB according to the sex. Methods SB of 2542 adolescents (1335 boys and 1207 girls) as a whole sample and country-by-country was analysed in 2002, 2005, 2013, and 2017 using the Sport and Physical Activity EU Special Eurobarometers’ data. SB was measured using the sitting time question from the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), such that 4h30min of daily sitting time was the delineating point to determine excess SB behaviour (≥4h30min of sitting time) or not (≤4h30min of sitting time). A χ2 test was used to compare the prevalence of SB between survey years. Furthermore, SB prevalence between sexes was analysed using a Z-Score test for two population proportions. Results The prevalence of SB among EU adolescents across each of the four survey years ranged from 74.2 and 76.8%, rates that are considered high. High levels of SB were also displayed by both sexes (girls: 76.8 to 81.2%; boys: 71.7 to 76.7%). No significant differences in the prevalence of SB among years (p > 0.05) were found for the whole sample, and for either girls or boys. Also, no significant differences in the prevalence of SB between girls and boys were found. Conclusion The SB prevalence in European adolescents is extremely high (76.8% in 2017) with no differences between girls and boys. No significant improvements have been seen between 2002 and 2017. Eurobarometer should increase the adolescents’ sample to make possible benchmarking comparisons among the EU countries and extend the survey to the younger children population.

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Do differences in compositional time use explain ethnic variation in the prevalence of obesity in children? Analyses using 24-hour accelerometry

10.26686/wgtn.12830837.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

RW Taylor ◽

JJ Haszard ◽

VL Farmer ◽

R Richards ◽

Lisa Te Morenga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Ethnic Differences ◽

Time Use ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Z Score ◽

Movement Data ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Log Ratio

© 2019, Springer Nature Limited. Background/Objectives: Whether variation in sleep and physical activity explain marked ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in childhood obesity is unclear. As time spent in one behaviour influences time spent in other behaviours across the 24-hour day, compositional analyses are essential. The aims of this study were to determine how ethnicity and socioeconomic status influence compositional time use in children, and whether differences in compositional time use explain variation in body mass index (BMI) z-score and obesity prevalence across ethnic groups. Methods: In all, 690 children (58% European, 20% Māori, 13% Pacific, 9% Asian; 66% low-medium deprivation and 34% high deprivation) aged 6–10 years wore an ActiGraph accelerometer 24-hours a day for 5 days yielding data on sedentary time, sleep, light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Height and weight were measured using standard techniques and BMI z-scores calculated. Twenty-four hour movement data were transformed into isometric log-ratio co-ordinates for multivariable regression analysis and effect sizes were back-transformed. Results: European children spent more time asleep (predicted difference in minutes, 95% CI: 16.1, 7.4–24.9) and in MVPA (6.6 min, 2.4–10.4), and less time sedentary (−10.2 min, −19.8 to −0.6) and in LPA (−12.2 min, −21.0 to −3.5) than non-European children. Overall, 10% more sleep was associated with a larger difference in BMI z-score (adjusted difference, 95% CI: −0.13, −0.25 to −0.01) than 10% more MVPA (−0.06, −0.09 to −0.03). Compositional time use explained 35% of the increased risk of obesity in Pacific compared with European children after adjustment for age, sex, deprivation and diet, but only 9% in Māori and 24% in Asian children. Conclusions: Ethnic differences in compositional time use explain a relatively small proportion of the ethnic differences in obesity prevalence that exist in children.

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Glycemic Variability and Its Association With Demographics and Lifestyles in a General Adult Population

Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology ◽

10.1177/1932296816682031 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 780-790 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Francisco Gude ◽

Pablo Díaz-Vidal ◽

Cintia Rúa-Pérez ◽

Manuela Alonso-Sampedro ◽

Carmen Fernández-Merino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Reference Values ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Adult Population ◽

Heavy Drinking ◽

Glycemic Variability ◽

Specific Reference ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

General Adult Population

Objective: The objective was to investigate glycemic variability indices in relation to demographic factors and common environmental lifestyles in a general adult population. Methods: The A Estrada Glycation and Inflammation Study is a cross-sectional study covering 1516 participants selected by sampling of the population aged 18 years and over. A subsample of 622 individuals participated in the Glycation project, which included continuous glucose monitoring procedures. Five glycemic variability indices were analyzed, that is, SD, MAGE, MAG, CONGA1, and MODD. Results: Participants had a mean age of 48 years, 62% were females, and 12% had been previously diagnosed with diabetes. In the population without diabetes, index distributions were not normal but skewed to the right. Distributional regression models that adjusted for age, gender, BMI, alcohol intake, smoking status, and physical activity confirmed that all indices were positively and independently associated with fasting glucose levels and negatively with heavy drinking. SD, MAGE, and CONGA1 were positively associated with aging, and MAG was negatively associated with BMI. None of the GVI studied were influenced by physical activity. Age-group-specific reference values are given for the indices. Conclusions: This study yielded age-specific reference values for glucose variability indices in a general adult population. Significant increases were observed with aging. Heavy drinking of more than 140 g/week was associated with significant decreases in variability indices. No differences were found between males and females. These normative ranges provide a guide for clinical care, and may offer an alternative treatment target among persons with diabetes.

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Equality and Non-discrimination Law in the EU

The European Union and Human Rights ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198814177.003.0007 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 387-462

Author(s):

Jan Wouters ◽

Michal Ovádek

Keyword(s):

Human Rights ◽

International Human Rights Law ◽

The European Union ◽

Human Rights Law ◽

International Human Rights ◽

Men And Women ◽

Treaty Of Rome ◽

International Human ◽

The Right ◽

The Eu

This chapter addresses equality and non-discrimination, which are explicitly acknowledged as foundational values in the EU context in Article 2 TEU. Similarly, the right to non-discrimination enjoys wide recognition in international human rights law. In the EU, non-discrimination had a specific role to play from the outset of European integration. Despite being founded without explicit reference to human rights, the original Treaty of Rome nonetheless prohibited discrimination on the basis of nationality (now Article 18 TFEU), as well as discrimination regarding pay between men and women (now Article 157 TFEU). Today, the scope of non-discrimination was enlarged, paving the way for Directives on racial equality and non-discrimination in the field of employment on the grounds of religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation. Moreover, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) identified the principle of equality as a general principle of EU law.

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Policy, trade, economic, and technological aspects of improving nutrient intake and lifestyles in the European Union

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980001001574 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 4 (2a) ◽

pp. 325-336 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jo Hautvast ◽

Ibrahim Elmadfa ◽

Mike Rayner

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

European Union ◽

European Commission ◽

European Community ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

The European Union ◽

The Public ◽

Nutrition Labelling ◽

Nutrition Committee ◽

The Eu

Summary of recommendations1.A new Nutrition Committee for the European Union1.1 A new Nutrition Committee for the European Union, should be created to give independent scientific and policy advice on nutrition, diets and physical activity to the Commission. This should be supported by a strengthened Nutritional Unit within the Commission.2.Policy development2.1 There needs to be a comprehensive and coherent nutritional policy for the EU2.2 The development of European dietary goals should continue after the completion of the Eurodiet Project.2.3 The European Commission should revise its Recommended Daily Allowances for vitamins and minerals using a systematic, evidence-based approach. Recommended Daily Allowances should be set at a level which would prevent deficiencies and lower the risk of disease.2.4 The European Commission should produce, preferably every four years, a report on the state of nutrition, diet and physical activity in the EU. This report should contain proposals for action3.Components of a nutrition policyEducation3.1 The European Commission should not be involved in the direct delivery of lifestyle advice to the public.3.2 The European Commission should continue to support networks whose members are involved in educating the public and in training professionals about nutrition, diets and physical activity.Research3.3 European Community funding of health-related research should better reflect the Community's public health priorities.3.4 The European Community should ear-mark funds for large, multi-centre studies into nutrition, diet and physical activity with a duration of up to 10 years.Consumer protectionFood labelling3.5 The European Commission should draw up proposals for the regulation of health claims.3.6 The European Community should agree rules for the use of nutrition claims along the lines agreed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.3.7 The European Commission should review the 1990 Nutrition Labelling Directive particularly with a view to making nutrition labelling more comprehensible and it should encourage the development of other ways of providing consumers with information about the nutrient content of foods though, for example, the Internet.Food composition3.8 The European Commission should review the Novel Food Regulations, particularly with a view to ensuring that the nutritional consequences of consuming novel foods are better assessed and to making approval procedures more efficient.3.9 European Community rules on food fortification and on food supplements should be harmonised but in such a way that the interests of consumers are paramount.Agriculture policy3.10 The Common Agriculture Policy should be subject to a regular and systematic health impact assessment.3.11 Given that there are subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy designed to increase consumption of surplus food, these should be directed towards promoting the consumption of foods for which there is strong evidence of a need for increased consumption in the EU for health reasons.Special issuesFruit and vegetable consumption3.12 The promotion of increased fruit and vegetable consumption across the EU should be a key aspect of the European Union's proposed nutrition policy.Breast feeding3.13 The European Union should review its policy on breast feeding including assessing and, if necessary, improving its legislation on breast milk substitutes and maternity leave.Physical Activity3.14 The European Union should have a policy for promoting physical activity in Europe. This should be part of, or at least closely integrated with, the European Union's proposed nutritional policy.

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